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Day Number 259 | 37 weeks
fertilization age: 245 days / 35 weeks
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Experiencing restless legs at night? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines restless leg syndrome (RLS) as a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. RLS sensations are often described by people as burning, creeping, tugging or like insects crawling inside the legs.

Researchers have not been able to determine what causes RLS, but research is ongoing into causes ranging from genetics to mineral imbalances. It's the latter that is often suspected in pregnancy. Some also believe that low iron in the blood can be the cause.

Dr. Philip Becker, medical director of the Sleep Medicine Institute at the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, suggests the following to combat restless legs:

• Limit caffeine: Limit caffeine to early morning and preferably only one cup of coffee.
• Drink water: Drink plenty of water.
• Rest your legs often: Try to fatigue the legs as little as possible. If you have a job where you're on your feet a lot, try to arrange to put your legs up more often.
• Counter stimuli: This can include support stockings, stretching exercises before bed, putting something at the foot of the bed that you can push against and having your partner give you a massage.
• Water therapy: Stand in the shower and let the water hit you in the lower back and run down your legs. Some people prefer warm or hot water, some cold or cool. Some people report that starting with hotter water and gradually moving it to cool also works to relieve the sensations. A warm bath is also a good idea and provides other positive benefits such as relaxation and distraction.
• Distraction: Try this when RLS occurs in resting situations that do not involve trying to sleep. Use whatever interests you: crossword puzzles, computer games or any hobby or activity that will engage your attention.

Another cause may be calcium deficiency. Try adding high-calcium foods, such as salmon, sardines, green leafy vegetables, almonds and tofu, into your diet.

Read Restless Legs, Restless Nights: Managing RLS During Pregnancy.

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